Security System Monitoring Contract

[bgoogle]

State: CA
Situation: Four years ago I signed a contract with my alarm company to monitor my security system. This month I changed alarm companies and notified the original company that I wanted to terminate my monitoring agreement. They informaed me that the contract I signed calls for automatic 1 year extensions if I do not notify them in writing 30 to 60 days prior to the contract end date. They claim that I owe them the balance of the contract which has about 9 months remaining.
Question: Are these types of contracts legal? Do I need to pay them the balance of the contract? What are my options?

 

[racer72]

Read your original contract. It will state that renewel is automatic and for a period of one year. Cell phone companies and health clubs also use these rolling contracts. Your options is to buy out the remaining contract or let them sue you.